{Editor’s note: Below is a slightly abridged version of Moshe Feiglin’s speech at the founding conference of his new political party, Zehut.}
Dear Friends,
I must admit that I am very moved. I have participated in quite a few events in my life and have made quite a few speeches. But when you begin to understand the depth of the crisis and upheavals facing Israel and the world; when you understand that tonight we are laying the foundation for the only leadership capable of understanding reality and thus, dealing with it, you understand that this evening’s event is historic. Tonight, we are creating national leadership that will bring the State of Israel from one era – “Zionism of Existence” – to a completely new era – “Zionism of Destiny.”
There is no doubt that the state of Israel is a success story. It has realized the vision of the prophets and has been the conduit for an unequaled historical miracle in which all parts of the nation of Israel have participated. But it is specifically our physical success that has made us vulnerable to a gnawing, paralyzing weakness that threatens all the achievements of the return to Zion.
From a physical standpoint, we have never been greater and stronger – both economically and militarily. But internally, we have never been so weak.
Sometimes I feel that I should apologize to my children. I had so much fun growing up in this country. Israel was a country that radiated security and faith in the justice of its cause. What confusion and lowliness we are bequeathing to the next generation – exactly at the most critical time!
Our parents, the generation of the War of Independence and the Six-Day War, the generation of the Yom Kippur War and Entebbe, gave us a state that stood proud. They gave us a state in which a drizzle in Sderot meant that autumn was coming – not rockets coming out of the sky. Missiles on Tel Aviv? Who would ever have thought?
Our parents gave us a state in which there was no need for security guards at the entrance to every shopping mall and train station. They gave us a state whose existence was not questioned by any cultured person in the world. They gave us a state in which every soldier in uniform understood what he represented and nobody dared attack him. They gave us a state that would immediately obliterate any entity developing nuclear weapons to destroy us – with no warning, no speeches, and no lobbying of Congress.
Our parents gave us a state in which every young couple could afford housing, a state that no matter what school you attended, you emerged an Israeli patriot. They gave us a state in which little girls could play hopscotch on the corner unguarded. A state without “protection.” A state in which every Jew could walk freely – everywhere.
And what are we giving our children? A threatened, helpless community that begs the world and the U.S. air force for help? A state that has lost its faith in the justice of its cause, a state that – more and more – the world considers a mistake?
A state in which young couples can only dream of owning their own home. A state in which schooling falls far short of its potential. A state in which parents are forced to guard their children while they play outdoors. A state in which personal liberties are being eroded.
The world is not exactly waiting patiently while we return to ourselves. The entire old order is crumbling before our eyes. ISIS is replacing the Arab states. Nuclear ayatollahs set the world agenda. Europe is quickly becoming Muslim. America stands by those who attempt to destroy us.
Where is the leadership of old? Leadership that would know how to present a vision and strategy in the face of the existential challenges falling upon us?
This is the new leadership we are building today, here in Tel Aviv. No more state that flees its message. No more state that flees its meaning and history. Today, we are heralding the connection of all of these to the liberty of man.
Dear friends: The era of religious and non-religious is over! The era of Right and Left is finished! All the ridiculous molds that divided us time and again are a thing of the past. Israel’s young population yearns for the meaning taken from it. It craves to dig deeply into its identity and liberty. It desires leadership that will give it all these things. Leadership that will truly solve the housing shortage, the collapsing educational system, the high cost of living – leadership that will restore security to our streets.
We have all those gifts – and more – to give:
Housing: We know that liberty means that the land belongs to the citizens – not to the state. Land must be allotted by lottery to all army veterans in Israel. The bureaucratic red tape must be cut and people must be allowed to build as they please on their land. And most important of all, we know that this is our land and we should build throughout our country.
Education: We know how to truly solve the problem with education in Israel. Because we know that liberty means that we are responsible for the education of our children, not the state. The state will give vouchers to the parents of every child and the parents will decide where to redeem them. Just imagine countless “boutique” schools competing for your vouchers – just like maternity wards compete for the social security funds they receive for every new mother who gives birth in their hospital. Every teacher will be a private tutor. And every student will be a king!
Cost of living: We know how to truly deal with the high cost of living and how to propel the economy forward. Simply, we must open the Israeli market to competitive imports; close the Standards Institute; cut down the government mechanism to at least half; nullify the tax on companies; return the state payment for army veterans to social security; stop funding our enemies.
War can never be over when the Israel Defense Force vocabulary does not include the word “victory.” It is impossible to win when it is not clear who the enemy is (the rocket? the tunnel? terror?). If you cannot figure out who you are (a Jew? an Israeli? a citizen of an amorphous state?), you will clearly not discover who your enemy is. Maybe we were sent here by the UN?
A person or country without an identity will never enjoy peace. Yes, ladies and gentlemen: Only Zehut will bring peace! We have the answer to the “Why?” And thus, we can provide all the answers to the “How?”
Dear friends, now it is in our hands! The energies, the people, the clear plan, and the will and preparedness to lead are all in this hall. They are in no other place and so, the responsibility is on our shoulders. We have all the tools with which to bring about a true revolution. We have a year – not more – to reach every corner of this country.
Now friends, it is in our hands. And we have good reason to be excited at the eve of the new year. To be excited and to thank the creator who has brought us to this momentous and historic time in which we have merited to establish leadership with vision for our nation.
Shanah tovah.